Liposomal mitigation of drug-induced long QT syndrome and potassium delayed-rectifier current

ABSTRACT

Compositions and methods for the treatment of drug-induced long QT syndrome and other cardiac channelopathies are disclosed herein. The compositions and methods of the present invention comprise binding one or more QT prolonging drugs with a liposome prior to parenteral (intravenous or subcutaneous) administration, or administration of an empty liposome prior to or concomitantly with therapeutic agents known to have a high risk of QT prolongation, or immediately following an envenomation. The results presented show an abrogation of the adverse effects of QT prolonging drugs in a dose-dependent manner by the compositions of the present invention.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/487,233 filed Jun. 3, 2012, which is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/493,257 filed Jun. 3, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to pharmacology and cardiology, and more particularly to liposomal based compositions and methods to therapeutically alter a genetic, drug-induced, or envenomous abnormally prolonged QT interval.

STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH

None.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with compositions and methods for controlling the duration of repolarization of the cardiac ventricle QT in a subject comprising administering to subject in need thereof of a modification of or functional interference with a therapeutic agent, or congenital defect which if unmodified can induce prolongation of repolarization in the heart myocyte action potential, torsade de points, and the long QT syndrome. The present invention comprises of either binding a QT prolonging drug with a liposome prior to parenteral (intravenous or subcutaneous) administration, or administration of an empty liposome prior to or concomitantly with therapeutic agents known to have a high risk of QT prolongation, or immediately following an envenomation.

The beating of the heart is due to precisely controlled regularly spaced waves of myocardial excitation and contraction. The electrical currents during ion-based depolarization and repolarization can be measured by electrical leads placed on the body in specific locations (the electrocardiogram) which measure electrical waves. The P-wave represents a wave of depolarization in the atrium. When the entire atria becomes depolarized, the wave returns to zero. After 0.1 seconds the ventricle is entirely depolarized resulting in the QRS complex. The three peaks are due to the way the current spreads in the ventricles. This is followed by the T-wave or repolarization of the ventricle. The QT interval measured from the beginning of the QRS complex to the end of the T wave on the standard ECG represents the duration till the completion of the repolarization, phase of the cardiac myocyte (or the depolarization and repolarization of the ventricle). The duration of this interval can vary due to genetic variation, cardiac disease, electrolyte balance, envenomation, and drugs. Prolongation of the QT interval, can result in ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden death.

Drug induced long QTc Syndrome (LQTS) i.e., a prolongation of the action potential duration is a common cause of governmental mandated drug withdrawal. QTc prolongation is an unpredictable risk factor for Torsades de Pointes (TdP), a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia leading to ventricular fibrillation. Drug induced LQTS comprises about 3% of all prescriptions which when followed by TdP may constitute a lethal adverse reaction. Patients taking one or more than one QTc-prolonging drug concomitantly, have an enhanced risk of TdP. While the overall occurrence of TdP is statistically rare but clinically significant for the affected individual, assay for this drug effect is a mandatory requirement prior to allowing a drug to enter clinical trials.

Common structurally diverse drugs block the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (KCNH2 or hERG) coded K⁺ channel and the cardiac delayed-rectifier potassium current I_(K) (KV11.1) resulting in acquired LQTS. Drug-associated increased risk of LQTS is a major drug development hurdle and many drugs have been withdrawn during pre-clinical development, or assigned black box warnings following approval or withdrawn from the market. Autosomal recessive or dominant LQTS based upon 500 possible mutations in 10 different genes coding for the potassium channel has an incidence of 1:3000 or about 100,000 persons in the US. Prolonged QT intervals, or risk of LQTS occur in 2.5% of the asymptomatic US population. This syndrome when expressed can lead to severe cardiac arrhythmia and sudden death in untreated patients. The probability of cardiac death in patients with asymptomatic congenital LQTS who are medicated with LQTS-inducing drugs is increased.

The majority of the acquired LTQS drug withdrawals are due to obstruction of the potassium ion channels coded by the human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG). High concentrations of hERG blocking drugs generally induce a prolonged QTc interval and increase the probability of TdP. Up to 10% of cases of drug-induced TdP can be due to due to 13 major genetic mutations, 471 different mutations, and 124 polymorphisms (Chig, C 2006).

Systems and methods for detection of LQTS have been described previously. For example U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0004549 (Kohls et al. 2010) discloses a system and method of detecting LQTS in a patient by comparing a collected set of ECG data from the patient to a plurality of databases of collected ECG data. The plurality of databases will include a database containing previous ECGs from the patient, a known acquired LQTS characteristics database, and a known genetic LQTS characteristics database. Comparing the patients ECG to these databases will facilitate the detection of such occurrences as changes in QT interval from success of ECGs, changes in T-wave morphology, changes in U-wave morphology and can match known genetic patterns of LQTS. The system and method is sensitive to patient gender and ethnicity, as these factors have been shown to effect LQTS, and is furthermore capable of matching a QT duration to a database of drug effects. The system and method is also easily integrated into current ECG management systems and storage devices.

A system and method for the diagnosis and treatment of LQTS is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20080255464 (Michael, 2008). The Michael invention includes a system for diagnosing Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) derives a QT/QS2 ratio from an electrical systole (QT) and a mechanical systole (QS2) to detect a prolonged QT interval in a patient's cardiac cycle. A processor acquires the systoles from a microphone and chest electrodes, calculates the QT/QS2 ratio, and outputs the result to a display. The processor may compare the QT/QS2 ratio to a threshold value stored in memory for diagnosing LQTS in the patient. A user interface provides for programming, set-up, and customizing the display. A mode selector allows the system to operate alternatively as a phonocardiograph, a 12 lead electrocardiograph, or a machine for diagnosing LQTS. A related method for diagnosing cardiac disorders such as LQTS includes measuring QT and QS2 during a same cardiac cycle, calculating a QT/QS2 ratio, and comparing the result to a threshold value derived from empirical data. The method may include measuring systoles both at rest and during exercise, and may be used for drug efficacy, dosage optimization, and acquired LQTS causality tests.

A method for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias is provided in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20070048284 (Donahue and Marban, 2007). The method includes administering an amount of at least one polynucleotide that modulates an electrical property of the heart. The polynucleotides of the invention may also be used with a microdelivery vehicle such as cationic liposomes and adenoviral vectors.

Methods, compositions, dosing regimes, and routes of administration for the treatment or prevention of arrhythmias have been described by Fedida et al. (2010) in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2001/00120890. In the Fedida invention, early after depolarizations and prolongation of QT interval may be reduced or eliminated by administering ion channel modulating compounds to a subject in need thereof. The ion channel modulating compounds may be cycloalkylamine ether compounds, particularly cyclohexylamine ether compounds. Also described are compositions of ion channel modulating compounds and drugs which induce early after depolarizations, prolongation of QT interval and/or Torsades de Pointes. The Fedida invention also discloses antioxidants which may be provided in combination with the ion channel modulating compounds, non-limiting examples of the antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, vitamin B2, coenzyme Q10, cysteine as well as herbs, such as bilberry, turmeric (curcumin), grape seed or pine bark extracts, and ginkgo.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes compositions comprising a combination of a liposome with a QTc-prolonging/TdP risk inducing drug, or envenomation for treatment or reducing the risk of syncope, seizure-like activity, and cardiac arrest. In one embodiment the instant invention provides a composition for preventing one or more cardiac channelopathies, conditions resulting from irregularities or alterations in cardiac patterns, or both in a human or animal subject comprising: (i) one or more pharmacologically active agents selected from one or more drug classes comprising β-blockers, sodium channel blockers, potassium supplements, potassium channel openers, hERG current enhancers, calcium channel blockers, agents for correcting trafficking defects, gap junction coupling enhancers, or any combinations thereof; (ii) one or more liposomes, wherein the liposomes are empty liposomes and administered prior to, concomitantly, or after administration of the pharmacologically active agent; and (iii) an optional pharmaceutically acceptable dispersion medium, solvent, or vehicle, wherein the active agent, the liposome or both are dissolved, dispersed, or suspended in the medium, the solvent, or the vehicle. The composition as disclosed herein may further comprise one or more optional pharmaceutically acceptable excipients selected from the group consisting of diluents, preservatives, lubricants, emulsifiers, coloring agents, thickening agents, flavoring agents, fillers, bulking agents, or any combinations thereof.

In one aspect of the instant invention the cardiac channelopathy or the condition resulting from the irregularity or alteration in the cardiac pattern is selected from the group consisting of long QT syndrome (LQTS), atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, atrial tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrioventricular nodal block, atrioventricular node reentry tachycardia, atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or any combinations thereof. In a specific aspect the cardiac condition is LQTS. In a related aspect LQTS is a drug-induced condition, a genetic condition, or both. In another aspect the composition is used for the treatment or prevention of LQTS induced by administration of one or more drugs used in the treatment of cardiac or non-cardiac related diseases, wherein the one or more drugs comprise Aloxi or palonasitron HCL, Amiodarone, Arsenic trioxide, Astemizole, Bepridil, Chloroquine-Chlorpheniramine, Chlorpromazine, Cisapride, Celaxa, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Curcumin, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Domperidone, Doxorubicin, Dronedarone, Droperidol, Grepafloxacin, Haldol, Haloperidol, Halofantrine, Ibutilide, Levomethadyl, Lidoflazine, Loratidine, Lovostatin, Mesoridazone, Methadone, Methanesulphonanilide (E-4031), Moxifloxacin, Pentamadine, Pimozide, Prenylamine, Probucol, Procainamide, Propafenone, Pyrilamine, Quinidine-Terfenidine, Sertindole, Sotalol, Sparfloxacin, and Thioridazine.

In yet another aspect the composition is adapted for parenteral or oral administration and the active agent, the liposome, or both are adapted for oral or parenteral administration. In another aspect the active agent and the liposomes may be bound or conjugated together or is encapsulated or enclosed in the one or more liposomes. In another aspect the active agent and the liposome may be mixed together by shaking for concomitant administration to the human or animal subject. The liposomes described hereinabove may comprise spherical anionic, cationic, or neutral liposomes with a diameter ranging from 10 nm-200 nm and further comprises a lipid or a phospholipid wall, wherein the lipids or the phospholipids are selected from the group consisting of phosphatidylcholine (lecithin), lysolecithin, lysophosphatidylethanol-amine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylethanolamine (cephalin), cardiolipin, phosphatidic acid, cerebrosides, dicetylphosphate, phosphatidylcholine, and dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylglycerol, stearylamine, dodecylamine, hexadecyl-amine, acetyl palmitate, glycerol ricinoleate, hexadecyl sterate, isopropyl myristate, amphoteric acrylic polymers, fatty acid, fatty acid amides, cholesterol, cholesterol ester, diacylglycerol, and diacylglycerolsuccinate.

Another embodiment of the instant invention discloses a composition for preventing or treating one or more adverse reactions arising from administration of a therapeutically active agent or a drug in a human or animal subject comprising: one or more liposomes, wherein the liposomes are empty liposomes and administered prior to, concomitantly, or after administration of the therapeutically active agent or the drug and an optional pharmaceutically acceptable dispersion medium, solvent, or vehicle, wherein the active agent, the liposome or both are dissolved, dispersed, or suspended in the medium, the solvent, or the vehicle. In one aspect the therapeutically active agent or a drug is used in a prevention or a treatment of one or more cardiac or non-cardiac diseases in the human or animal subject. In another aspect the one or more adverse reactions comprise one or more cardiac channelopathies, irregularities or alterations in cardiac patterns, or both. In a specific aspect the adverse reaction is LQTS. In yet another aspect the composition is adapted for parenteral or oral administration, and the therapeutically active agent active agent or the drug may be bound, conjugated, encapsulated, or enclosed in the one or more liposomes. In a related aspect the therapeutically active agent active agent or the drug and the liposome may be mixed together by shaking for concomitant administration to the human or animal subject.

In yet another embodiment the instant invention relates to a method for preventing or treating one or more cardiac channelopathies, irregularities or alterations in cardiac patterns, or both in a human or animal subject comprising: i) identifying the human or animal subject in need of prevention or treatment of the one or more cardiac channelopathies, irregularities or alterations in cardiac patterns, or both and administering to the human or animal subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising: (a) one or more pharmacologically active agents selected from one or more drug classes comprising β-blockers, sodium channel blockers, potassium supplements, potassium channel openers, hERG current enhancers, calcium channel blockers, agents for correcting trafficking defects, gap junction coupling enhancers, or any combinations thereof, (b) one or more liposomes, wherein the liposomes are empty liposomes and administered prior to, concomitantly, or after administration of the pharmacologically active agent, and (c) an optional pharmaceutically acceptable dispersion medium, solvent, or vehicle, wherein the active agent, the liposome or both are dissolved, dispersed, or suspended in the medium, the solvent, or the vehicle. In one aspect the cardiac channelopathy or the condition resulting from the irregularity or alteration in the cardiac pattern is selected from the group consisting of long QT syndrome (LQTS), atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, atrial tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrioventricular nodal block, atrioventricular node reentry tachycardia, atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or any combinations thereof. In a specific aspect the cardiac condition is LQTS which may be a drug-induced condition, a genetic condition, or both.

In another aspect the composition is used for the treatment or prevention of LQTS induced by administration of one or more drugs used in the treatment of cardiac or non-cardiac related diseases, wherein the one or more drugs comprise Aloxi or palonasitron HCL, Amiodarone, Arsenic trioxide, Astemizole, Bepridil, Chloroquine-Chlorpheniramine, Chlorpromazine, Cisapride, Celaxa, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Curcumin, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Domperidone, Doxorubicin, Dronedarone, Droperidol, Grepafloxacin, Haldol, Haloperidol, Halofantrine, Ibutilide, Levomethadyl, Lidoflazine, Loratidine, Lovostatin, Mesoridazone, Methadone, Methanesulphonanilide (E-4031), Moxifloxacin, Pentamadine, Pimozide, Prenylamine, Probucol, Procainamide, Propafenone, Pyrilamine, Quinidine-Terfenidine, Sertindole, Sotalol, Sparfloxacin, and Thioridazine. In another aspect the composition is administered to the human or animal subject parenterally or orally. In yet another aspect the therapeutically active agent active agent or the drug may be bound, conjugated, encapsulated, or enclosed in the one or more liposomes or may be mixed together by shaking for concomitant administration to the human or animal subject. In another aspect the liposomes comprise one or more spherical anionic, cationic, or neutral liposomes having an average diameter ranging from 10 nm-200 nm.

In one embodiment the instant invention provides a method for preventing or treating one or more adverse reactions arising from administration of a therapeutically active agent or a drug in a human or animal subject comprising: identifying the human or animal subject in need of prevention or treatment of the one or more adverse reactions arising from the administration of the therapeutically active agent or the drug, and administering to the human or animal subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition. The composition used in the method of the present invention comprises: one or more liposomes, wherein the liposomes are empty liposomes and administered prior to, concomitantly, or after administration of the therapeutically active agent or the drug and an optional pharmaceutically acceptable dispersion medium, solvent, or vehicle, wherein the active agent, the liposome or both are dissolved, dispersed, or suspended in the medium, the solvent, or the vehicle.

In one aspect the therapeutically active agent or a drug is used in a prevention or a treatment of one or more cardiac or non-cardiac diseases in the human or animal subject. In another aspect the one or more adverse reactions comprise one or more cardiac channelopathies, irregularities or alterations in cardiac patterns, or both. In yet another aspect the cardiac channelopathy or the irregularity or alteration in the cardiac pattern, or both are selected from the group consisting of long QT syndrome (LQTS), atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, atrial tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrioventricular nodal block, atrioventricular node reentry tachycardia, atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or any combinations thereof.

In related aspects of the method the therapeutically active agent or a drug is selected from one or more drug classes comprising β-blockers, sodium channel blockers, potassium supplements, potassium channel openers, hERG current enhancers, calcium channel blockers, agents for correcting trafficking defects, gap junction coupling enhancers, or any combinations thereof and the therapeutically active agent or the drug comprises Aloxi or palonasitron HCL, Amiodarone, Arsenic trioxide, Astemizole, Bepridil, Chloroquine-Chlorpheniramine, Chlorpromazine, Cisapride, Celaxa, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Curcumin, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Domperidone, Doxorubicin, Dronedarone, Droperidol, Grepafloxacin, Haldol, Haloperidol, Halofantrine, Ibutilide, Levomethadyl, Lidoflazine, Loratidine, Lovostatin, Mesoridazone, Methadone, Methanesulphonanilide (E-4031), Moxifloxacin, Pentamadine, Pimozide, Prenylamine, Probucol, Procainamide, Propafenone, Pyrilamine, Quinidine-Terfenidine, Sertindole, Sotalol, Sparfloxacin, and Thioridazine. In one specific aspect the adverse reaction is LQTS. In one aspect the composition comprises one or more optional pharmaceutically acceptable excipients selected from the group consisting of diluents, preservatives, lubricants, emulsifiers, coloring agents, thickening agents, flavoring agents, fillers, bulking agents, or any combinations thereof and is administered to the human or animal subject parenterally or orally. In another aspect the therapeutically active agent active agent or the drug may be bound, conjugated, encapsulated, or enclosed in the one or more liposomes. In yet another aspect the therapeutically active agent active agent or the drug and the liposome may be mixed together by shaking for concomitant administration to the human or animal subject.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a composition for preventing or treating long QT syndrome (LQTS) arising from administration of Terfenidine, Methanesulphonanilide (E-4031), or any other active agent for treatment of a cardiac condition or a disease in a human or animal subject comprising: a) one or more liposomes, wherein the liposomes are empty liposomes and administered prior to, concomitantly, or after administration of the Terfenidine, Methanesulphonanilide (E-4031), or any other active agent; and b) an optional pharmaceutically acceptable dispersion medium, solvent, or vehicle, wherein the Terfenidine, Methanesulphonanilide (E-4031), or the any other active agent, the liposome or both are dissolved, dispersed, or suspended in the medium, the solvent, or the vehicle.

The present invention also further describes a method for preventing or treating long QT syndrome (LQTS) arising from administration of Terfenidine, Methanesulphonanilide (E-4031), or any other active agent for treatment of a cardiac condition or a disease in a human or animal subject comprising the steps of: (i) identifying the human or animal subject in need of prevention or treatment of the LQTS arising from the administration of Terfenidine, Methanesulphonanilide (E-4031), or any other active agent; and (ii) administering to the human or animal subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising: one or more liposomes, wherein the liposomes are empty liposomes and administered prior to, concomitantly, or after administration of the Terfenidine, Methanesulphonanilide (E-4031), or any other active agent; and an optional pharmaceutically acceptable dispersion medium, solvent, or vehicle, wherein the Terfenidine, Methanesulphonanilide (E-4031), or the any other active agent, the liposome or both are dissolved, dispersed, or suspended in the medium, the solvent, or the vehicle.

In yet another embodiment the instant invention provides a composition for treating or preventing long QT syndrome (LQTS) arising from administration of a therapeutically effective amount of curcumin for a treatment of one or more diseases or conditions comprising: one or more liposomes, wherein the liposomes are empty liposomes and administered prior to, concomitantly, or after administration of the therapeutically effective dosage amount of curcumin and an optional pharmaceutically acceptable dispersion medium, solvent, or vehicle, wherein the one or more liposomes are dissolved, dispersed, or suspended in the medium, the solvent, or the vehicle. In one aspect the one or more diseases treated by the therapeutically effective amount of the curcumin comprises type 2 diabetes and one or more associated pathological conditions (sequelae), proliferative disorders selected from the group consisting of breast, uterine, cervical, ophthalmic, pancreatic cancer, or any combinations thereof, or more neurological or neurodegenerative conditions selected from the group consisting of Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease, stress disorders, senile dementia, vascular dementias, Pick's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jacobs disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and aging. In another aspect the therapeutically effective amount of curcumin comprises curcumin, curcumin analogues, curcumin derivatives, slow or sustained release formulations comprising curcumin enclosed in a biodegradable polymeric nanoparticle, wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises poly-lactic glycolic acid (PLGA) copolymer.

The present invention further provides a method for treating or preventing long QT syndrome (LQTS) in a human subject taking a therapeutically effective amount of curcumin for a treatment of one or more diseases or conditions comprising the steps of: identifying the human subject taking a therapeutically effective amount of curcumin for the treatment of one or more diseases or conditions; and administering to the human subject a composition comprising: (i) one or more liposomes, wherein the liposomes are empty liposomes and administered prior to, concomitantly, or after administration of the therapeutically effective amount of curcumin and (ii) an optional pharmaceutically acceptable dispersion medium, solvent, or vehicle, wherein the one or more liposomes are dissolved, dispersed, or suspended in the medium, the solvent, or the vehicle.

One embodiment of the instant invention describes a pharmaceutical composition of curcumin for treatment or prevention of one or more disorders comprising: one or more spherical liposomes or nanoparticles comprising curcumin, curcumin analogues, synthetic curcumin, curcumin derivatives, slow or sustained release formulations enclosed or encapsulated in a lipid or a phospholipid wall and an optional pharmaceutically acceptable dispersion medium, solvent, or vehicle, wherein the one or more liposomes are dissolved, dispersed, or suspended in the medium, the solvent, or the vehicle. In one aspect the composition prevents or corrects one or more adverse reactions induced by curcumin. In another aspect the one or more adverse reactions are selected from the group consisting of long QT syndrome (LQTS), atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, atrial tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrioventricular nodal block, atrioventricular node reentry tachycardia, atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or any combinations thereof. In a specific aspect the adverse reaction is LQTS.

Finally, a method for treating a human subject suffering from one or more diseases or disorders with a therapeutically effective amount of a curcumin composition is also disclosed herein. The method comprises the steps of: a) identifying the human subject suffering from one or more disorders treatable by the therapeutically effective amount of the curcumin and administering to the human subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising the therapeutically effective amount of the curcumin, wherein the composition comprises: one or more spherical liposomes or nanoparticles comprising curcumin, curcumin analogues, synthetic curcumin, curcumin derivatives, slow or sustained release formulations enclosed or encapsulated in a lipid or a phospholipid wall and an optional pharmaceutically acceptable dispersion medium, solvent, or vehicle, wherein the one or more liposomes are dissolved, dispersed, or suspended in the medium, the solvent, or the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures and in which:

FIG. 1 is a plot showing the effect of terfenadine on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV;

FIG. 2 is a plot of the current-voltage (I-V) relationship of hERG current amplitude from transfected HEK 293 cells exposed to terfenadine;

FIG. 3 is a plot of the effect of terfenadine on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV;

FIG. 4 is a plot of the I-V relationship of hERG current amplitude from transfected HEK 293 cells exposed to terfenadine;

FIG. 5 is a plot showing the effect of E-4031 on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV;

FIG. 6 is a plot of the effect of curcumin on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV;

FIG. 7 is a plot of the I-V relationship of hERG current amplitude from transfected HEK 293 cells exposed to curcumin;

FIG. 8 is a plot showing the effect of curcumin (as liposomal curcumin) on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV;

FIG. 9 is a plot showing the I-V relationship of hERG current amplitude from transfected HEK 293 cells exposed to Curcumin (as liposomal curcumin);

FIG. 10 is a plot showing the effect of Curcumin (Liposomes+Curcumin) on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV;

FIG. 11 is a plot of the I-V relationship of hERG current amplitude from transfected HEK 293 cells exposed to Curcumin (Liposomes+Curcumin);

FIG. 12 shows the effect of liposomes on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV;

FIG. 13 is a plot of the I-V relationship of hERG current amplitude from transfected HEK 293 cells exposed to liposomes;

FIG. 14 is a plot showing the of liposomes+E-4031 on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV;

FIG. 15 is a plot of the I-V relationship of hERG current amplitude from transfected HEK 293 cells exposed to Liposomes+E-4031;

FIG. 16 is a plot showing the effect of liposomes+terfenadine on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV; and

FIG. 17 is a plot showing the I-V relationship of hERG current amplitude from transfected HEK 293 cells exposed to liposomes+terfenadine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention.

To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number of terms are defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as “a”, “an” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the invention, except as outlined in the claims.

As used herein the term “Curcumin (diferuloyl methane; 1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione)” is a naturally occurring compound which is the main coloring principle found in the rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa (U.S. Pat. No. 5,679,864, Krackov et al.).

The term “liposome” refers to a capsule wherein the wall or membrane thereof is formed of lipids, especially phospholipid, with the optional addition therewith of a sterol, especially cholesterol.

As used herein, the term “in vivo” refers to being inside the body. The term “in vitro” used as used in the present application is to be understood as indicating an operation carried out in a non-living system.

As used herein, the term “receptor” includes, for example, molecules that reside on the surface of cells and mediate activation of the cells by activating ligands, but also is used generically to mean any molecule that binds specifically to a counterpart. One member of a specific binding pair would arbitrarily be called a “receptor” and the other a “ligand.” No particular physiological function need be associated with this specific binding. Thus, for example, a “receptor” might include antibodies, immunologically reactive portions of antibodies, molecules that are designed to complement other molecules, and so forth. Indeed, in the context of the present invention, the distinction between “receptor” and “ligand” is entirely irrelevant; the invention concerns pairs of molecules, which specifically bind each other with greater affinity than either binds other molecules. However, for ease of explanation, the invention method will be discussed in terms of target receptor (again, simply a molecule for which a counterpart is sought that will react or bind with it) and “ligand” simply represents that counterpart.

As used herein, the term “treatment” refers to the treatment of the conditions mentioned herein, particularly in a patient who demonstrates symptoms of the disease or disorder.

As used herein, the term “treatment” or “treating” refers to any administration of a compound of the present invention and includes (i) inhibiting the disease in an animal that is experiencing or displaying the pathology or symptomatology of the diseased (i.e., arresting further development of the pathology and/or symptomatology); or (ii) ameliorating the disease in an animal that is experiencing or displaying the pathology or symptomatology of the diseased (i.e., reversing the pathology and/or symptomatology). The term “controlling” includes preventing treating, eradicating, ameliorating or otherwise reducing the severity of the condition being controlled.

The terms “effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount” described herein means the amount of the subject compound that will elicit the biological or medical response of a tissue, system, animal or human that is being sought by the researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician.

The terms “administration of” or “administering a” compound as used herein should be understood to mean providing a compound of the invention to the individual in need of treatment in a form that can be introduced into that individual's body in a therapeutically useful form and therapeutically useful amount, including, but not limited to: oral dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, syrups, suspensions, and the like; injectable dosage forms, such as IV, IM, or IP, and the like; transdermal dosage forms, including creams, jellies, powders, or patches; buccal dosage forms; inhalation powders, sprays, suspensions, and the like; and rectal suppositories.

As used herein the term “intravenous administration” includes injection and other modes of intravenous administration.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable” as used herein to describe a carrier, diluent or excipient must be compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

Compositions and methods for controlling the duration of repolarization of the cardiac ventricle QT interval are disclosed herein. The method of the present invention comprises comprising administering to subject in need thereof of a modification of or a functional interference with a therapeutic agent, or a congenital defect which if unmodified can induce prolongation of repolarization in the heart myocyte action potential, torsade de points, and the long QT syndrome. The present invention comprises of either binding a QT prolonging drug with a liposome prior to parenteral (intravenous or subcutaneous) administration, or empty liposomal administration prior to or concomitantly with one or more therapeutic agents known to have a high risk of QT prolongation, or immediately following an envenomation. The findings of the present invention indicate that the adverse effect of curcumin and other QT prolonging drugs is abrogated with liposomal curcumin, and with vortexed mixtures of empty liposomes in a dose dependent manner.

Ion channels are pore-forming integral membrane proteins that establish and control the electrochemical gradient (the action potential) across the plasma membrane, and intracellular organelles of cells by modulating ion. The channels are assembled as a circular arrangement of proteins packed around a water-filled pore. The ions passage through the channel in single file, which may be open or closed by chemical, electrical signals, temperature, or mechanical force. Ion channel dysfunction may be associated with mutations in the genes coding these channels or with drugs interfering with ion flow. Dysfunction in cardiac electrolyte potassium, calcium, and sodium channels in the cardiac myocyte membrane induces defects in electrical currents, and the normal action potential which are necessary for coordinated myocyte contraction and maintenance of normal blood circulation resulting in clinical cardiac symptoms. The central roles of the 40 members, and 12 subfamilies of voltage gated potassium channel's (Kv) role are to repolarize the cell membrane following action potentials. The flux of potassium ions in the cardiac myocyte channels modulates electrolytic currents, levels of depolarization and repolarization. Congenital and/or drug-induced channel defects are associated with morbidity and mortality in otherwise asymptomatic individuals. The channel proper coded by the gene KCNH2 or hERG (human ether-a-go-go-related gene) contains proteins designated as Kv11.1 and the Lv11.1 α-subunit of the rapidly activating rectifier K⁺ current I_(Kr). This cell membrane channel mediates the “rapid” delayed rectifier current I_(Kr) by conducting K⁺ ions out of the cardiac myocytes and is a critical mechanism to allow the cardiac potential to return to the resting state (repolarization).

Even though the hERG channel pore-domain lacks a known three-dimensional structure, insight into its putative structure has been gained from site-directed mutagenesis data (Stansfeld P J, 2007). Within the hERG channel pore cavity, ion flux and currents can be modified depending upon the open or closed states, and by drug interactions at key high affinity drug binding sites. These sites are the aromatic amino-acid residues (Y652 and F656) on the inner helices of the pore. The most important currents mediated by drugs, the sensitive delayed, I_(Kr) (rapid) current which repolarizes the myocardial cells and the I_(Ks) (slow) rectifier currents are exhibited on the standard electrocardiogram (ECG) as the QT interval which when corrected for heart rate this is conventionally defined as QTc.

Congenital defects in ion channels first described by Jervell A, (1957), alter the balance of currents determining repolarization of the action potential and predispose to LQTS arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Mutations have been identified giving rise to subtypes of congenital LQTS, familial arrhythmogenic syndromes characterized by abnormal ion channel function, delayed repolarization, prolonged QT interval on the electrocardiogram and a life-threatening polymorphic ventricular tachycardia known as torsade de points. Different mutations in the hERG gene and its coded proteins translate to defects in channel function and a number of clinical syndromes. Type 2 congenital long-QT syndrome (LQT2) results from A614V missense mutations in the KCNH gene and is characterized by four classes of loss of Kv11.1 protein and consequent channel dysfunction. These abnormal Kv11.1 channels include (class 1), a dominant-intracellular trafficking-deficient ion channel protein: usually due to missense mutations, (Class 2), a correctable phenotype when cells are incubated for 24 hours at 27° temperature, or with exposure to the drugs E-4031 (Zhou Z 1999 (class 3)), channel gating, and (class 4) permeation)(Anderson C. L, 2006). Blockade by any of these and particularly the “rapid” current prolongs the action potential and manifests on the ECG as a prolonged QT interval and emergence of other T or U wave abnormalities. Under such circumstances, activation of an inward depolarization current induces increased dispersion of repolarization. The latter results in a heterogeneous recovery of excitability, and induction of torsades de points (TdP) an early premature ventricular contraction (PVC). (R-0n-T). This is where ventricular depolarization i.e, the R-wave occurs simultaneously with the relative refractory period at the end of repolarization (latter half of the T-wave) and initiates pathologic T-U waves and torsades. Sustained TdP leads to a zone of functional refractoriness in the myocardium, and cardiac arryhthmias. The ECG reading in torsades exhibits a rapid polymorphic ventricular tachycardia with a characteristic twist of the QRS complex around the isoelectric baseline. This is characterized by a rotation of the heart's electrical axis by as much as 180°, long and short RR-intervals, and clinically this leads to a fall in arterial blood pressure, syncope, degeneration into ventricular fibrillation and sudden death.

On the ECG, retardation of the I_(Kr) current interval is synonymous with QT prolongation when greater than 440 ms in men and 460 ms in women. Pharmacological inhibition of hERG K⁺ channels by structurally and therapeutically diverse drugs translates to the clinical acquired form of the long QT syndrome (LQTS). While QT prolonging drugs represent two to three percent of the total prescriptions in the developed world the reported incidence of QT prolongation and dosage varies significantly within different drug classes. The latter include Class 1A and class III antiarrhythmics, antihistamines, antimicrobials, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, prokinetics, and anti-anginals. Recently, curcuminoids were reported to block human cardiac K⁺ channels. (Moha ou Maati H, 2008).

Increased incidence of QT prolongation may also occur in the presence of hypomagnesemia. hypokalemia, hypocalcalcemia, hypoxia, acidosis, heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, slow heart rate, female gender, hypothermia, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The severity of arrhythmia at a given QT interval, and development of TdP varies from drug to drug and patient to patient and may not be linearly related to the dose or plasma concentration of a specific drug. However, antiarrhythmic cardiac drugs affecting the potassium (K⁺) efflux (Class III) and non-cardiac drugs: that significantly alter repolarization, as measured by prolongation of the QT interval predispose the patient to torsades. Additional factors associated with an increased tendency toward TdP include familial long QT syndrome (LQTS). The most common causes of familial LQTS are mutations in genes.

KCNQ1 codes for KvLTQ1, the alpha subunit of the slow delayed potassium rectifier potassium channel is highly expressed in the heart. The current through the heteromeric channel when interacting with the minK beta subunit is known as I_(Ks). When missense mutated it reduces the amount of repolarizing current needed to terminate the action potential. These LTQ1 mutations represent 35% of all cases, and are the least severe, usually causing syncope.

KCNH2 or the hERG gene when mutated represents 30% of all genetic cases, and is the subunit of the rapid delayed rectifier potassium channel hERG+MiRP1. Current through this channel known as I_(Kr) is responsible for termination of the action potential and the length of the QT interval. When reduced it leads to LQT2. The rapid current is not only the most drug sensitive, but also is associated with the pro-arrhythmic effect in His-Purkinje cells and M cells in the mid-ventricular myocardium. Drug induced LQTs occurs with anti-arrhythmic drugs, antihistamines, anti-psychotic and other drugs. The combination of genetic LQTS and LQTS-inducing drugs increase susceptibility to lethal side effects. Most drugs causing LKTS block the I_(Kr) current via the hERG gene. This channel exhibits unintended drug binding at tyrosine 652 and phenylalanine 656 which when bound block current conduction. Uncommon but lethal mutations in gene SCN5A slow inactivation of the alpha subunit of the sodium channel, prolonging Na⁺ influx and the current I_(Na) during depolarization. Continued depolarizing current through the channel late in the action potential induces a late bursting current (LQT3).

L-type calcium channels re-open during the plateau phase of the action potential following LQTS as “early after depolarizations.” Their activity is sensitive to adrenergic stimulation and increases the risk of sudden death during adrenergic states in the presence of impaired repolarization. In these subjects TdP can be precipitated following exercise, or emotional surprise unrelated to drugs. There are additional uncommon and rare mutations designated LQT4-13.

Apart from heart rate, the QT duration varies with recording and measurement techniques, sympatho-vagal activity, drugs, electrolyte disorders, cardiac or metabolic diseases, diurnal variation and genetic LQT2 mutations. These parameters cause the reported incidence of drug-induced TdP to be loosely associated with clinical studies during drug development, post-marketing surveillance, epidemiologic studies, and anecdotal case reports. Detection of QT prolongation during pre-clinical drug development can lead to abandonment and precludes any all-inclusive accounting of the actual incidence of drug related QT prolongation (Yap 2003). A number of QT-prolonging drugs have been withdrawn either during development or after being on the market. These include Terfenadine, Astemizole, Gripafloxacin, Terodilene, Droperidole, Lidoflazine, Levomethadyl, Sertindoyle, levomethadyl, and Cisapride.

Genetic and age related susceptibility: there are pre-dispositions to QT-prolonging drug events: this includes patients with structural heart disease, taking hepatic C450 inhibitors, who have a genetic predisposition, or DNA polymorphisms. Old females generally are more susceptible than young females, while young males have increased susceptibility compared to elderly males.

Current Therapy for QT prolonging-drugs, and in genotypic QT sensitivity: Pharmacological therapy: first line treatment for LQTS, a potentially lethal disease with a 13% incidence of cardiac arrest and sudden death. (i) Dexrazoxane: (a piperazinedione cyclic derivative of edetic acid). It diminishes but does not eliminate the potential for anthracycline induced cardiotoxicity associated with over 300 mg/M² epirubicin administered to patients with breast cancer. Use of intravenous Dexrazoxane is limited to anthracyclines only, i.e. it is contraindicated in chemotherapy regimens that do not contain an anthracycline. (ii) β-blockers: propranolol as sympathetic stimulation therapy may decrease risk of cardiac events by 81% in LQT1, it may also suppress isoproteranolol augmentation of transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) and TdP, however on adequate propranolol treatment 10% still develop cardiac events. In LQT2 subjects, cardiac event risk is decreased 59%, however 23% still develop cardiac events. (iii) Sodium channel blockers: 32% of LQT3 subjects develop cardiac events on adequate propranolol. In these subjects with low heart rates, β-blockers may increase dispersion of repolarization and risk of TdP. LQT3 subjects with sodium channel mutations preventing inactivation and inducing persistent increase in late I_(Na) during phase 2 of the action potential, a cause of QT prolongation using, mexiletine (Shimizu W, 1997) a class IB sodium channel blocker abbreviates the QT interval by reduction of TDR. (iv) Potassium supplementation: both I_(Kr) and I_(K1) are sensitive to extracellular potassium levels. Raising plasma concentration by 1.5 mEq/L above baseline can reduce the QTc interval by 24%(Compton 1996 and Etheredge 2003), but there is no evidence that it translates in arrhythmia protection. (v) Potassium channel openers: Nicorandil, a potassium channel opener given intravenously at 2-20 umol/L appreviates the QT interval in LQT1 and LQT2 subjects. (Shimizu W 2000). (vi) hERG current enhancers: RPR 260243 reverses dofetalide-induced action potential prolongation in guinea pig myocytes (Kang J2005). (vii) Calcium channel blockers: Calcium influx through L-type calcium channels maintains the plateau phase, the duration of the action potential and the QT interval of the action potential. Verapamil an L-type calcium channel blocker, and inhibitor of I_(Na) abbreviates the QT interval and suppresses TdP in LQTS models is used in patients with paroxysmal atria-ventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia with significantly shortened QT at low heart rates. The hERG inhibitory EC₅₀ is 83 uM. When verapamil is administered at appropriate dosage, torsades de points may be avoided (Fauchier L 1999). (viii) Trafficking defects correction: Defects in transport of proteins and glycoproteins forming trans-membrane ion pores in the cardiac cell membrane reduce the amplitude of corresponding currents and have a role in LQTS. Fexofenadine, a metabolite of terfenadine or thapsigargin can rescue such defective trafficking without blocking hERG current in selective missense mutations associated with LQT2. (ix) Gap Junction coupling enhancers: Gap junctions are intercellular channels allowing both small molecules and current to be transferred between cardiac cells. Heart failure and hypertrophy are associated with uncoupling of gap junctions. Enhancing gap junctions can produce an anti-arrhythmic effect where dispersion of repolarization is enhanced in LQTS. Infusion of a synthetic peptide, AAP10 a gap junction enhancer reduces the QT interval in the rabbit left ventricular preparation (Quan X Q, 2007).

This nonclinical laboratory study described in the present invention was conducted in accordance with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Good Laboratory Practice Regulations, 21 CFR Part 58, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Principals of Good Laboratory Practice [C(97) 186/Final], issued Nov. 26, 1997, and the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) Good Laboratory Practice Standards Ordinance No. 21, Mar. 26, 1997.

Study Outline: 1) Test articles: Curcumin, Empty Liposomes, Liposomal curcumin, (0.014, 0.20, 3.4 and 11.4 μM); 2) Test System: hERG-expressing HEK 293 transfected cell line; 3) Test performed: Whole-cell patch-clamp current acquisition and analysis; 4) Experimental Temperature: 35±2° C.

Application of test article: 1) 5 minutes of exposure to each concentration in presence of closed circuit perfusion (2 mL/min); 2) 5 minutes for washout periods in presence of a flow-through perfusion (2 mL/min) in addition to a closed circuit perfusion (2 mL/min); 3) The positive controls, (100 nM E-4031, and Terfenadine (0.01, 0.03, 0.1 uM) were added to naive cells obtained from the same cell line and same passage for a period of 5 minutes in presence of a closed circuit perfusion (2 mL/min); 4) Curcumin, Terfenadine and E-4031 were each vortexed for 15 minutes with empty liposomes, and then tested. Cells were under continuous stimulation of the pulses protocol throughout the studies and cell currents were recorded after 5 minutes of exposure to each condition.

Data acquisition design: Acquisition Rate(s): 1.0 kHz. Design for acquisition when testing the compounds or the vehicle/solvent equivalent: 1 recording made in baseline condition, 1 recording made in the presence of concentration 1, 2, 3 or 4, and 1 recording made after washout (only after the fourth concentration). Design for acquisition when testing the positive controls: 1 recording made in baseline condition, 1 recording made in the presence of the positive control, and n=number of responsive cells patched on which the whole protocol above could be applied.

Statistical analysis: Statistical comparisons were made using paired Student's t-tests. For the test articles, the currents recorded after exposure to the different test article concentrations were statistically compared to the currents recorded in baseline conditions. Currents, recorded after the washout, were statistically compared to the currents measured after the highest concentration of test article. In the same way, currents recorded after the positive control, were compared to the currents recorded in baseline conditions. Differences were considered significant when p≦0.05.

Experimental Data Exclusion criteria: 1) Timeframe of drug exposure not respected; 2) Instability of the seal; 3) No tail current generated by the patched cell; 4) No significant effect of the positive control; and 5) More than 10% variability in capacitance transient amplitude over the duration of the study.

The in vitro effects of curcumin, liposomal curcumin, empty liposome and positive controls E-4031 and Terfenadine were determined on the human delayed rectifier current using human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells transfected with the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG).

There are a great number of drugs that are currently marketed with increased risk of LQTS and TdP. Some non-limiting examples are presented below:

-   -   Aloxi or palonasitron HCL: 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor         antagonist, an intravenous drug for post-operative nausea and         vomiting. (Eisai Corp. Helsinn, Switz.) AE's include >2% EKG, 5%         QT prolongation, 4% bradycardia, at doses above 2.25 mg.     -   Amiodarone (cordorone X) a class III antiarrhythmic agent, for         WPW syndrome, for ventricular arrhythmias: Females>males risk         regarded as low. 1-3% have predominantly class III effects. SA         node dysfunction, and enhanced cardiac arrhythmias. MOA is         prolongation of myocardial cell-action potential duration, and         refractory period, a 10% increase in QT intervals associated         with worsening of arrhythmias and TdP, and noncompetitive α- and         β-adrenergic inhibition. QTc prolongation with and without TdP         with concomitant administration of fluoroquinolones, macrolide         antibiotics or azoles. TEVA Pharmaceuticals IND. Ltd.     -   Arsenic trioxide: an ineffective hERG blocker (IC₅₀>300 uM), may         have an indirect effect on hERG current, an anti-cancer drug.         The manufacturer is Cephalon, Inc.     -   Astemizole*: a second generation histamine H1 and H3 receptor         antagonist, and antimalarial marketed by Janssen. Structurally         similar to terfenidine and haloperidol. Originally used for         allergic rhinitis: no longer available in U.S. because of rare         but fatal arrhythmias. IC₅₀ is 50 nM hERG tail current.     -   Bepridil: is a low potency long-acting calcium channel blocking         agent (EC50 is 10 uM). Both K+ channels are sensitive targets to         calcium channel blockers. It blocks the rapid component hERG in         a concentration-dependent manner (EC50 is 0.55 uM) and also         inhibits the KvLQT1/IsK K+ channel which generates the slow         components of the cardiac delayed rectifier K+ current. These         changes can lead to long QT. It is also a calmodulum antagonist         with significant anti-effort associated angina, and         antihypertensive activity. Manufacturer TOCRIS Bioscience Inc.     -   Chloroquine: antimalarial: Novartis Pharma AG. Inhibits hERG         channels in a concentration and time manner. The half maximal         inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) 2.5 uM.     -   Chlorpheniramine: a low potency first generation antihistamine         H1 blocker, which induces QT prolongation, i.e a hERG blocker in         a concentration dependent manner. It affects the channels in the         activated and inactivated states but not in the closed states.         Overdose of first and second generation antihistamines exert         arrhythmic effects by affecting k+ currents.     -   Chlorpromazine (Thorazine):         anti-psychotic/antiemetic/schizophrenia developed by         Rhone-Poulec in 1950. It causes cardiac arrhythmias (Fowler NO         1976).     -   Cisapride: used as gastroprokinetic agent by Janssen Inc.: It         was withdrawn in 2000 due to its Long QT side effect (Layton D         2003).     -   Celaxa (citalopram) a QT prolonger Forest Labs: A selective         serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which prolongs the QTc         interval via direct blockade of the potassium hERG channel,         disrupts hERG protein expression in the cell membrane         effectively decreasing the number of hERG potassium channels and         blocks the I-type calcium current leading to prolonged         depolarization. (Witchel et al).     -   Clarithromycin and Erythromycin: Antibiotics, females are more         sensitive than males. Both cause QT prolongation and TdP.         Erythromycin reduces hERG current in a concentration dependent         manner with an IC50 of 38.9, and clarithromycin 45.7 uM at         clinically relevant concentrations.     -   Curcumin (diferuloylmethane): Inhibits hERG current (Moha ou         Maati H 2008). Curcumin at IC50 of 3.5 uM is a moderate potency         molecule (Katchman A N, 2005).     -   Disopyramide: A class 1 antiarrythmic drug (Vaughan Williams         Classification) associated with acquired LQTS. Prolongs the QT         interval and widens the QRS complex QT in a dose dependent         fashion (IC50 7.23 uM). Blocks both sodium and potassium         channels depresses phase “O” depolarization and prolongs         duration of action potential of normal cardiac cells in atrial         and ventricular tissues.     -   Dofetilide: A class III antiarrhythmic agent marked by Pfizer as         Tikosyn oral capsules used for maintenance of sinus rhythm and         atrial fibrillation. Selectively blocks IKr, the delayed         rectifier outward potassium current. TdP is a serious side         effect with a dose related incidence of 0.3-10.5%. This is a         twofold increase in death risk if pre-treatment QTc is greater         than 479 ms. A high potency hERG blocker: IC50 is 10 nM.     -   Domperidone: An antidopaminergic drug used as an antinausea         agent. By Janssen Pharmaceuticals, not available in the U.S.         Associated with cardiac arrest and arrhythmias, and increased QT         prolongations in neonates (Djeddi D 2008).     -   Doxorubicin: 30 uM prolongs QTc by 13%; causes acute QT         prolongation without significantly blocking hERG channels but         inhibits IKs (IC50: 4.78 uM).     -   Dronedarone: A non-iodinated analogue of amiodarone. (blocks         hERG at IC50 of 70 nM), used for over 40,000 patients with         atrial fibrillation. Wild type hERG tails measured at −40 mV         following activation at +30 mV were blocked with IC50 values of         59 nM. hERG inhibition followed channel gating, with block         developing on membrane depolarization independent of channel         activation High external [K+] (94 mM) reduced potency of I(hERG)         inhibition and is independent of Y652 and F656 aromatic acid         residues. Manufactured by Chemsky (Shanghai) International, and         Sanofi-Avantis Inc as “Muttag). The UK NIH blocked this drug in         2010 based upon cost.     -   Droperidol: A central sedative, anti-nausea, anesthesia adjunct,         Associated with prolongation of the QT interval, TdP and sudden         death. hERG tail currents following test pulses to 50 mV were         inhibited with an IC50 of 77.3 nM. hERG channels were affected         in their open and inactivated states. Potency was decreased with         mutation of Phe-656 to thr or Ser-631 to Ala. Fourteen companies         are listed for this compound.     -   Grepafloxacin: An oral fluoroquinolone antibiotic caused a         number of severe cardiovascular events including PQTS and was         voluntarily withdrawn from the market. (WHO 1999).     -   Haldol, Haloperidol: A high potency hERG blocker, antipsychotic         schizophrenia, agitation, when given intravenously or at higher         than recommended doses, risk of sudden death, QT prolongation         and TdP increases. Janssen-Silag Ltd.     -   Halofantrine: Antimalarial, associated with cardiac arrhythmias         and significant QT prolongation. females more sensitive than         males. Glaxo-Smith-Kline.     -   Ibutilide: Corvert by Pfizer, a pure class III antiarrythmic for         atrial flutter and fibrillation, females more sensitive than         males. Induces slow inward sodium current. Does not block K         current, but prolongs action potential.     -   Levomethadyl: Opiate agonist/pain control, narcotic dependence.         Similar to methadone. Roxanne Labs removed from market because         of ventricular rhythm disorders.     -   Lidoflazine: A piperazine calcium channel blocker with         anti-arrhythmic activity. high potency hERG blocker (IC50 of 16         nM) of the alpha sub-unit of the potassium channel.         Preferentially inhibits open activated channels. 13 fold more         potent than Verapamil against hERG.     -   Loratidine, Claritin: A second generation antihistamine, a hERG         blocker at an IC50 of 173 nM. may have an indirect effect on         hERG repolarization current. Marked by Schering-Plough.     -   Lovostatin: A low-potency hERG blocker synthetic.     -   Mesoridazone: Antipsychotic schizophrenia.     -   Methadone: Interacts with the voltage-gated myocardial potassium         channels in a concentration dependent manner causing serious         cardiac arrhythmias, and deaths from TdP and ventricular         fibrillation in patients taking methadone. IC50 is 4.8 uM         (compared with 427 uM for heroin) an antidopaminergic drug.         Methadone related predispositions to TdP are female, high         dosages, CYP2 B6 slow metabolizer of S-methadone and DNA         polymorphisms. Parenterol methadone and chlorobutanol         combinations are contraindicated. QT prolonging activity is         mainly due to S-methadone which blocks hERG current 3-5 fold         more potently than R-methadone.     -   Methanesulphonanilide (E-4031): An extremely high potency         compound, inhibits hERG at nM concentrations. Used as positive         control in standard assays.     -   Moxifloxacin: A hERG channel blocker: at 100 uM prolonged QTc by         22% not prevented by dexrazoxane.     -   Pentamadine: An ineffective hERG blocker (IC50>300 uM),         anti-infective, pneumocystis pneumonia. Associated with QT         interval lengthening and TdP, hence may have an unknown indirect         effect on hERG repolarization.     -   Pimozide: Antipsychotic, Tourette's tics.     -   Prenylamine: A moderate hERG blocker.     -   Probucol: Antilipemic, anticholesterolemic, no longer available         in the U.S.     -   Procainamide: Anti-arrhythmic.     -   Propafenone: A low-potency hERG blocker (IC50>1 uM).     -   Pyrilamine: A low potency hERG blocker.     -   Quinidine: Anti-arrhythmic females>males.     -   Seldane (Terfenidine): A high potency hERG blocker.     -   Sertindole: A moderate potency hERG blocker.     -   Sotalol: A LQT2 model, action is prevented by nicorandil a         potassium channel opener. It can act as an antiarrythmic,         β-blocker for ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation         (DucroqJ 2005). Two (2)% of 1288 patients exhibited QT         prolongation, and a QTc greater than 455 ms lead to TdP.     -   Sparfloxacin: Antibiotic.     -   Thioridazine: A moderate potency hERG blocker.     -   Vandetanib: An oral kinase inhibitor marketed by Astra-Zeneca is         approved for progressive metastatic or locally advanced         medullary thyroid cancer. QT prolongation, TdP and sudden death         are included in a boxed warning. The most common (>5%) grade ¾         adverse reactions includes QT prolongation fatigue and rash.     -   Terfenadine an antihistamine prodrug for the active form         fexofenadine, and E-4031 were selected as a reference compounds         for this study. Terfenadine has reported ventricular arrhythmias         cardiotoxic effects, particularly if taken in combination with         macrolide antibiotics or ketoconazole. An IC50 hERG inhibitory         effect value of 99 nM was calculated from data obtained in the         same cell line as that used for the test article in this study.         E-4031, a class III anti-arrhythmic drug is a synthetic toxin         used solely for research purposes with one clinical exception         (Okada Y., 1996). Its mechanism of action is to block the hERG         voltage-gated potassium channels. At 100 nM E-4031 inhibited         90.6% of the current density. The inhibitions observed are in         line with internal validation data generated in identical         conditions, and agree with published inhibition values for this         compound. These results confirm the sensitivity of the test         system to hERG-selective inhibitors, in this case, Terfenadine         and E-4031.

The effect of Curcumin on whole-cell IKr hERG currents: whole-cell currents elicited during a voltage pulse were recorded in baseline conditions, following the application of the selected concentrations of curcumin and following a washout period. As per protocol, 4 concentrations of curcumin were analyzed for hERG current inhibition. The cells were depolarized for one second from the holding potential (−80 mV) to a maximum value of +40 mV, starting at −40 mV and progressing in 10 mV increments. The membrane potential was then repolarized to −55 mV for one second, and finally returned to −80 mV.

Whole-cell tail current amplitude was measured at a holding potential of −55 mV, following activation of the current from −40 to +40 mV. Current amplitude was measured at the maximum (peak) of this tail current. Current density was obtained by dividing current amplitude by cell capacitance measured prior to capacitive transient minimization.

Current run-down and solvent effect correction: all data points have been corrected for solvent effect and time-dependent current run-down. Current run-down and solvent effects were measured simultaneously by applying the experimental design in test-article free conditions (DMSO) over the same time frame as was done with the test article. The loss in current amplitude measured during these so-called vehicle experiments (representing both solvent effects and time-dependent run-down) was subtracted from the loss of amplitude measured in the presence of the test article to isolate the effect of the test article, apart from the effect of the solvent and the inevitable run-down in current amplitude over time.

The study presented herein quantified the effect of curcumin solubilized in DMSO on IKr. The concentrations of curcumin (0.014, 0.2, 3.4 and 11.4 μM) were based on information available at the time of the design of this study. The concentrations were selected based on: (1) the predicted human plasma levels at the planned lowest Phase 1 dose level; (2) the predicted human plasma concentrations at the planned highest Phase 1 dose level; (3) 30-fold over the predicted human therapeutic plasma levels; and (4) 100-fold over the predicted human therapeutic plasma levels. These selected concentrations are considered to provide valuable predictions of the effect of curcumin on human cardiac electrophysiology. Curcumin 99.2% pure, was synthesized under GMP conditions in Sami Labs, Bangalore, India and stored at 4° C. in the absence of light. One mL aliquot of each curcumin concentration used to expose the cells included in this study were independently analyzed for curcumin content. For the subsequent studies GMP grade liposomal curcumin was formulated at Polymun GmbH, Vienna Austria, and stored at 4° C. The liposomes were obtained from Polymun GmbH, terfenadine and E04031 were purchased from Sigma Aldrich Fine Chemicals.

TABLE 1 Effect of terfenadine, a positive control on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV. Corrected Normalized Normalized Current Current p Density Density SEM value n = Baseline 1.000 1.000 n/a n/a 3 Terfenadine, 0.01 μM* 0.645 0.767 0.090 0.122 3 Terfenadine, 0.03 μM** 0.650 0.772 0.073 0.088 3 Terfenadine, 0.1 μM** 0.362 0.483* 0.063 0.015 3 *10 nM, **30 nM, ***100 nM. Terfenadine inhibited IKr with an IC50 of 0.065 umolar (65 nM) potency.

TABLE 2 Effect of Terfenadine on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV. Corrected Normalized Normalized Current Current Density Density SEM p value n = Baseline 1.000 1.000 n/a n/a 3 Terfenadine, 30 nM 0.469 0.548 0.080 0.111 2 Terfenadine, 100 nM 0.399 0.478* 0.072 0.018 3 Terfenadine, 300 nM 0.043 0.122* 0.004 0.000 3 *The current recorded after exposure to the test article concentration was statistically different from the current recorded in baseline condition. Difference was considered statistically significant when p ≦ 0.05.

FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of the data presented in Table 2. FIG. 2 is a plot of the current-voltage (I-V) relationship of hERG current amplitude from transfected HEK 293 cells exposed to terfenadine. FIG. 3 is a plot of the effect of terfenadine on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV. FIG. 4 is a plot of the I-V relationship of hERG current amplitude from transfected HEK 293 cells exposed to terfenadine.

TABLE 3 Effect of E-4031 on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV. Corrected Normalized Normalized Current Current Density Density SEM p value n = Baseline 1.000 1.000 n/a n/a 3 E-4031, 100 nM 0.124 0.094* 0.067 0.0055 3 E-4031 inhibited IKr with an IC50 of 50 nM. FIG. 5 is a plot showing the effect of E-4031 on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV.

TABLE 4 Effect of Curcumin on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV. Corrected Normalized Normalized Current Current Density Density SEM p value n = Baseline 1.000 1.000 n/a n/a 7 Curcumin, 0.014 μM 0.892 0.862 0.084 0.1521 7 Curcumin, 0.2 μM 0.773 0.744* 0.070 0.0107 7 Curcumin, 3.4 μM 0.642 0.612* 0.095 0.0064 7 Curcumin, 11.4 μM 0.234 0.204* 0.016 0.0000 7 Washout 0.489 0.459 0.127 0.2036 3

At a concentration of 11.4 μM curcumin caused 79.6% inhibition of the hERG tail current density at I+20 (n=7). Paired student's t-tests confirmed that the difference in normalized current density measured at baseline and in the presence of 0.2 to 11.4 μM of curcumin reached the selected threshold for statistical significance (p≦0.05). Table 3 provides p-values obtained from statistical analysis. Fifty percent inhibition of the current was achieved within the range of concentrations (0.014 to 11.4 μM) selected for this study. An IC50 value of 4.9 μM was calculated from the data obtained. FIG. 6 is a plot of data shown in Table 4. FIG. 7 is a plot of the I-V relationship of hERG current amplitude from transfected HEK 293 cells exposed to curcumin.

TABLE 5 Effect of Curcumin (as liposomal curcumin) on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV. Corrected Normalized Normalized Current Current Density Density SEM p value n = Baseline 1.000 1.000 n/a n/a 7 Curcumin (liposomal 0.854 0.934 0.039 0.142 7 curcumin), (0.014 μM) Curcumin (liposomal 0.838 0.918 0.092 0.408 7 curcumin), (0.2 μM) Curcumin (liposomal 0.769 0.848 0.072 0.079 7 curcumin), (3.4 μM) Curcumin (liposomal 0.716 0.795* 0.082 0.046 7 curcumin), (11.4 μM) Washout 0.474 0.554* 0.101 0.020 4

p-values obtained from statistical analysis indicates borderline significant differences of current density from baseline at 11.4 uM, however the extent of current inhibition was less than the IC50.

FIG. 8 is a plot showing the effect of curcumin (as liposomal curcumin) on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV and FIG. 9 is a plot showing the I-V relationship of hERG current amplitude from transfected HEK 293 cells exposed to Curcumin (as liposomal curcumin).

In Table 5 the rectifying inward current showed that the inhibition effect of curcumin on the hERG tail current is voltage dependent with higher potency at positive holding potentials. The currents recorded after washout were compared statistically to the currents recorded after the highest concentration of Curcumin (liposomal curcumin) (11.4 μM).

TABLE 6 Effect of empty liposome vortexed with curcumin on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV. Corrected Normalized Normalized Current Current Density Density SEM p value n = Baseline 1.000 1.000 n/a n/a 3 Curcumin 0.937 0.994 0.073 0.946 3 (Lipo-Curc.), 0.2 μM Curcumin 0.738 0.796 0.055 0.064 3 (Lipo-Curc.), 3.4 μM Curcumin 0.498 0.555 0.119 0.064 3 (Lipo-Curc.), 11.4 μM Washout 0.479 0.536 0.145 0.899 3

Liposome concentration was 0.7, 12, 41 ng/ml. No significant difference from curcumin at any dose level.

FIG. 10 is a plot showing the effect of Curcumin (Liposomes+Curcumin) on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV, and FIG. 11 is a plot of the I-V relationship of hERG current amplitude from transfected HEK 293 cells exposed to Curcumin (Liposomes+Curcumin). The current recorded after washout was compared and similar statistically to the currents recorded after the highest concentration of curcumin at 11.4 uM. The current IC50 was not reached.

TABLE 7 Effect of Liposomes on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV. Corrected Normalized Normalized Current Current p Density Density SEM value n = Baseline 1.000 1.000 n/a n/a 3 Liposome, 0.7227 ng/mL 0.921 1.041 0.037 0.379 3 Liposome, 12.285 ng/mL 0.805 0.926 0.065 0.374 3 Liposome, 41.193 ng/mL 0.888 1.009 0.075 0.919 3 Washout 0.817 0.938 0.151 0.734 3

Liposomes do not exhibit an inhibitory effect on the in vitro hERG channel. The current recorded after washout was comparable statistically to the currents recorded after the highest concentration of Liposomes (41.193 ng/mL). FIG. 12 is a plot of the data presented in Table 7, and FIG. 13 is a plot of the I-V relationship of hERG current amplitude from transfected HEK 293 cells exposed to liposomes.

TABLE 8 Effect of Liposomes + E-4031 on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV. Corrected Normalized Normalized Current Current p Density Density SEM value n = Baseline 1.000 1.000 n/a n/a 3 Liposome, 0.72 ng/mL + 0.489 0.610 0.115 0.077 3 E-4031, 30 nM Liposome, 12.29 0.219 0.339* 0.067 0.010 3 ng/mL + E-4031, 100 nM Liposome, 41.19 0.171 0.292* 0.022 0.001 3 ng/mL + E-4031, 300 nM Washout 0.130 0.251 0.037 0.675 2 *the current recorded after exposure to the test article concentration was statistically different p ≦ 0.05 from the current recorded in baseline condition.

FIG. 14 is a plot showing the effect of liposomes+E-4031 on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV. FIG. 15 is a plot of the I-V relationship of hERG current amplitude from transfected HEK 293 cells exposed to Liposomes+E-4031.

Empty Liposomes when vortexed with E-4031 at 30-300 nM concentrations do not prohibit the anti-hERG effect of E-4031. E-4031 inhibition. The current recorded after washout was compared statistically to the currents recorded after the highest concentration of Liposomes+E-4031.

TABLE 9 Effect of Liposomes + Terfenadine on hERG current density from transfected HEK 293 cells at 20 mV. Corrected Normalized Normalized Current Current Density Density SEM p value n = Baseline 1.000 1.000 n/a n/a 3 Terfenadine 0.298 0.392* 0.065 0.011 3 (Liposome + Terfenadine), 30 nM Terfenadine 0.122 0.216* 0.073 0.008 3 (Liposome + Terfenadine), 100 nM Terfenadine 0.117 0.211* 0.032 0.000 4 (Liposome + Terfenadine), 300 nM Washout 0.276 0.369 0.017 0.081 2 *Mean that the current recorded after exposure to the test article concentration was statistically different from the current recorded in baseline condition. Difference was considered statistically significant when p ≦ 0.05.

The data presented in Table 9 hereinabove is represented graphically in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 is a plot showing the I-V relationship of hERG current amplitude from transfected HEK 293 cells exposed to liposomes+terfenadine. There was no effect of empty liposomes when vortexed with Terfenadine at 30-300 nM the Terfenadine inhibition of hERG current density.

The data presented hereinabove suggest that curcumin, within the range of concentrations tested and in the specific context of this study down-modulates the IKr current, i.e., it interacts with the proteins encoded by the hERG gene and activates channel gating functions decreasing ion flow. A similar observation with a curcuminoid mixture (78% curcumin) was published (Moha ou Matti, 2008). These data support their initial observation, and emphasize that the curcumin (diferuloylmethane) molecule exhibits the predominant if not all the IKr inhibition.

The findings of the present invention that liposomal curcumin or vortexed mixtures of liposomes with curcumin prohibited IKr down modulation by curcumin allowing normal gating functions to occur suggest that liposome encapsulation of curcumin is not necessary to prevent interactions with channel drug receptor sites. The empty liposome did not appear to interact with the protein encoded by the hERG gene in the absence of curcumin, or in the presence of E-4031 and terfenadine relates to questions regarding the specificity and degree of affinities or preferential interactions of the receptors in the K+ channel (Zachariae U 2009).

Ikr/hERG suppression induced by curcumin is mitigated when the curcumin is incorporated within a liposome or simply vortexed with it prior to exposure. Combined intravenous administration of this liposome and intravenous QT prolonging drugs other than curcumin may mitigate delayed QT in vivo.

It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specification can be implemented with respect to any method, kit, reagent, or composition of the invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the invention can be used to achieve methods of the invention.

It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

All publications and patent applications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

REFERENCES

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What is claimed is:
 1. A composition for treating or preventing drug induced QT prolongation in a human or animal subject comprising: a combination of i) one or more pharmacologically active agents that induce QT prolongation in the subject; and ii) one or more empty liposomes, wherein the empty liposomes are provided in an amount sufficient to prevent or reduce the QT prolongation caused by the one or more pharmacologically active agents, wherein the combination is dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable medium, solvent, or vehicle and wherein said combination of i) and ii) reduces hERG current inhibition as compared to i) alone.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the one or more active agents comprise palonosetron HCL, Amiodarone, Arsenic trioxide, Astemizole, Bepridil, Chloroquine-Chlorpheniramine, Chlorpromazine, Cisapride, Celaxa, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Curcumin, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Domperidone, Doxorubicin, Dronedarone, Droperidol, Grepafloxacin, Haldol, Haloperidol, Halofantrine, Ibutilide, Levomethadyl, Lidoflazine, Loratidine, Lovostatin, Mesoridazone, Methadone, Methanesulphonanilide (E-4031), Moxifloxacin, Pentamadine, Pimozide, Prenylamine, Probucol, Procainamide, Propafenone, Pyrilamine, Quinidine, Terfenidine, Sertindole, Sotalol, Sparfloxacin, or Thioridazine.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is adapted for parenteral or oral administration.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the active agent and the liposomes are bound or conjugated together.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the liposomes comprise anionic, cationic, or neutral liposomes.
 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the liposomes comprise a lipid or a phospholipid wall, wherein the lipids or the phospholipids are selected from the group consisting of phosphatidylcholine, lysolecithin, lysophosphatidylethanol-amine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylethanolamine (cephalin), cardiolipin, phosphatidic acid, cerebrosides, dicetylphosphate, phosphatidylcholine, and dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylglycerol, stearylamine, dodecylamine, hexadecyl-amine, acetyl palmitate, glycerol ricinoleate, hexadecyl sterate, isopropyl myristate, amphoteric acrylic polymers, fatty acid, fatty acid amides, cholesterol, cholesterol ester, diacylglycerol, and diacylglycerolsuccinate.
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the liposomes are spherical liposomes with a diameter ranging from 10 nm-200 nm.
 8. A composition for preventing or treating QT prolongation caused by administration of a therapeutically active agent or a drug in a human or animal subject comprising: one or more liposomes in combination with a therapeutically active agent or a drug that causes QT prolongation, wherein the liposomes are empty liposomes in an amount sufficient to prevent or reduce the QT prolongation caused by the therapeutically active agent or the drug; and a pharmaceutically acceptable dispersion medium, solvent, or vehicle, wherein the active agent or drug, the liposome or both are dissolved, dispersed, or suspended in the medium, the solvent, or the vehicle and wherein said combination reduces hERG current inhibition as compared to said active agent or drug alone.
 9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the therapeutically active agent or the drug comprises palonosetron HCl, Amiodarone, Arsenic trioxide, Astemizole, Bepridil, Chloroquine-Chlorpheniramine, Chlorpromazine, Cisapride, Celaxa, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Curcumin, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Domperidone, Doxorubicin, Dronedarone, Droperidol, Grepafloxacin, Haldol, Haloperidol, Halofantrine, Ibutilide, Levomethadyl, Lidoflazine, Loratidine, Lovostatin, Mesoridazone, Methadone, Methanesulphonanilide (E-4031), Moxifloxacin, Pentamadine, Pimozide, Prenylamine, Probucol, Procainamide, Propafenone, Pyrilamine, Quinidine, Terfenidine, Sertindole, Sotalol, Sparfloxacin, or Thioridazine.
 10. The composition of claim 8, wherein the composition is adapted for parenteral or oral administration.
 11. The composition of claim 8, wherein the liposomes comprise anionic, cationic, or neutral liposomes comprising a lipid or a phospholipid wall, wherein the lipids or the phospholipids are selected from the group consisting of phosphatidylcholine, lysolecithin, lysophosphatidylethanol-amine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylethanolamine (cephalin), cardiolipin, phosphatidic acid, cerebrosides, dicetylphosphate, phosphatidylcholine, and dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylglycerol, stearylamine, dodecylamine, hexadecyl-amine, acetyl palmitate, glycerol ricinoleate, hexadecyl sterate, isopropyl myristate, amphoteric acrylic polymers, fatty acid, fatty acid amides, cholesterol, cholesterol ester, diacylglycerol, and diacylglycerolsuccinate.
 12. A composition for preventing or treating long QT syndrome (LQTS) arising from administration of Terfenidine, or Methanesulphonanilide (E-4031) in a human or animal subject comprising: i) one or more liposomes, wherein the liposomes are empty liposomes and ii) Terfenidine, or Methanesulphonanilide (E-4031); and a pharmaceutically acceptable dispersion medium, solvent, or vehicle, wherein the Terfenidine, or Methanesulphonanilide (E-4031), and the liposome are dissolved, dispersed, or suspended in the medium, the solvent, or the vehicle.
 13. The composition of claim 6, wherein the lipids or the phospholipids selected is lecithin.
 14. The composition of claim 11, wherein the lipids or the phospholipids selected is lecithin. 